Protecting Book Collections

A lot has been written about protecting and caring for art work but I rarely seen articles about caring for books.  I collect art and local history books and often wonder if I am taking the right steps to preserve these priceless items.

Some time ago I read the book, The Care of Fine Books, by author Jane Greenfield.  This book is a helpful guide book for those of us that are serious about caring for our collections.  Some of the  things that are mentioned are protection from light, cleaning and dusting and the shelving of books.  Proper handling of the book and making sure proper the proper climate is maintained is also mentioned.

I volunteer a large library where the books and periodicals are cared for at a very high level.  The books, magazines and journals are stored in a light and temperature controlled environment.   The humidity is also controlled.  It’s not too humid or too dry.  They use no-nonsense metal bookshelves that are sturdy and do not sag.  Special clamps are used to keep the books and other publications upright on the shelves.  There shelves are not over croweded.   It seems like every  precaution has been made to insure that the books are properly maintained.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

 

Although I do a lot to care for the books I treasure, I’m pretty sure there is much more I can do.  I I think most of us would like to believe that our book collections will be around for a very long time.